Cawas Billimoria: The Man Who Built Indian Judo

RF Olympic Program Jul 17, 2025

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In the third episode of Beyond The Podium, Reliance Foundation Sports spotlights a true pioneer of Indian judo, Olympian and Arjuna awardee Cawas Billimoria. His journey spans decades, continents, and combat styles, but it began in the most unexpected way: with a school stage and a man throwing people across it.

“One day in school, I saw this short man tossing bigger guys like they were paper….I was tall, unfit and intrigued. I thought, maybe this will help me get fit.” That spark turned into a lifelong pursuit of judo, and a mission to build the sport in India from scratch.

The early years were far from glamorous. “From 1973 to 1977, I didn’t win anything. I was overweight, couldn’t balance, and everyone threw me around,” he admits. “But I knew I was improving, and my mum was paying the fees so I couldn’t quit.”

It wasn’t until 1978 that the breakthrough came, first a silver, then a gold in 1979 that he would hold on to for 15 years. “Those years were like the bamboo tree. You don’t see the growth above ground, but the roots are getting stronger.”

“I started martial arts before Bruce Lee became a global icon,” he says with a grin.

Cawas helped Indian judo gain official recognition ahead of the 1984 Olympics. To improve his game, he travelled to Japan, and struggled. He broke his foot, worked at a restaurant to survive, and cleaned tables and glass with an injured leg just to extend his stay. “I didn’t have insurance, I didn’t have money…. But I wasn’t ready to come back without getting better.”

His bronze medal at the 1986 Asian Games was a milestone. But what stayed with him even more was the realisation that belief matters as much as preparation. “I was mad enough to think I could beat anyone…….except France, Japan, Korea, Russia. At least I dared to dream.”
As someone who later took up sumo wrestling, taught physical education, and now serves as Sports Director at Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Billimoria continues to impact generations. “Today’s athletes are lucky to have the kind of support we never did. From stipends to physios to mental conditioning, the system is in place. What they do with it is up to them.”

Beyond The Podium celebrates the story of a man who didn’t just practice judo. He lived its values, discipline, respect and unwavering courage, long before anyone was watching.

Tap here to watch the full Episode.